by SAN DIEGO, CA – January 12, 2019) The San Diego Seals won their first home game in franchise history on Saturday night in front of 11,323 fans at Pechanga Arena San Diego.
“We knew that we had a special feeling in that room and we were so anxious to share it with that electric crowd out there and the city of San Diego,” said general manager and head coach Patrick Merrill. “Starting the first three games on the road, we were so anxious to get back here and I’m so proud that we were able to come out with a win tonight.”
Seals forward Austin Staats (Mohawk/Six Nations) made sure to show the home crowd why the team drafted him first overall. The rookie finished the night with a team-high four goals, one assist and 10 loose balls.
“We’ve been working hard this whole week and it showed in how we played tonight,” said Staats. “I grabbed the Seal on the front of my jersey in the fourth quarter to show the fans how much I respected them and enjoyed their presence. It was pretty cool, and it was the loudest arena that I have been to so far.”
Forward Dan Dawson netted a hat trick and added one assist in the contest. The veteran showed leadership, determination and excitement throughout the home opener.
“Our introduction to San Diego was phenomenal,” said Dawson. “It was pretty cool being able to show them all what lacrosse is all about. I said it from the get-go, to be a part of something from the foundation up is really special and we had a really emotional special day and it carried on to the game.”
Forward Kyle Buchanan scored five points (two goals, three assists) in the Seals win, and forward Garrett Billings added a highlight reel behind-the-back goal. The back-and-forth match-up featured strong goaltending on both sides, with Seals goalie Frank Scigilano earning the win after stopping 38 shots.
